The Merrell Family

Christmas in TX

2012-01-10T09:25:00.000-08:00

Nathan loves to be a big boy and shave like his daddy.

Place mats that Nathan and I made for preschool with a calendar that Grammy (Meme) and Papa gave us.

My fireman Nathan.

We came back for CO to our nicely restained fence. Matt's company, CIMA, did it while we were gone. I guess hail damage can be a benefit.

My big brown-eyed boy.

I asked Nathan what he was painting, and he said two tigers. I went to change Jared's diaper and come back, and he looks like this. He said that he painted himself as a red tiger.

Christmas at Nana and Grandaddy's house.

This is Nana's bear, but Jared did get one of his own teddy bears. He loves to give them hugs. It is the cutest thing.

Jared and Colin. What cute and handsome boys.

Nathan going up in the attic with his daddy. What an awesome DAD!!!

Christmas Eve and Christmas 2011

2012-01-09T15:52:00.000-08:00

This picture is priceless. Nathan is running in from church to see what Santa left him. He is so excited that he is sprinting to the kitchen set. Also, notice the apron that Nathan has on. That is my first sewing project all by myself. They turned out really cute! Nathan is also telling Jared NO in the picture on the right.

Daddy loves his bubble gum.

Santa left the boys suckers, which is probably one of their favorites. Jared was quite entertained with one.

My sweetheart.

Jared right after he saw the kitchen set.

Nathan right after he saw the kitchen set.

Christmas Eve with all of the family. We missed John and Chelsea so much.

Little David (not so little anymore) reading FIX IT DUCK to Nathan.

Papa got Jared to slept before we went to church. They were enjoying the nice sun.

Fun family traditions of Christmas Eve.

Nathan was so excited to get a fire truck. Nathan makes the whewwww sound and Jared does it right along with him.

Trip to Cedaredge December 2011

2012-01-09T14:05:00.000-08:00

Matt and Jared having Daddy time.

Nathan shouting, "Score."

The boys loved their Papa time!!

Jared loved to play in the castle
and with the vacuum.

SNOW!!! We had one day of snow, which was perfect. The boys loved to play in it. As you can see, our Mr. Nathan only has a jacket on. He is impossible to get him to wear a coat.

Nathan about ready to grab some snow and throw it at me.

Fill that dump truck!!

Jared and Nathan loved to play in the playhouse that Great Granddad built for Tanya, David, Lisa, John, and Vernice. It use to be brown and white, and then he added the blue and white metal to the outside.

Ahhhh! Nathan signing, "I love you."

The loved their Grammy time!

Nathan loved to hold Chia. What a sweet puppy.

Sledding up at suicide hill. Well I guess the hill down from suicide. Matt and I did get a chance to go down suicide hill a couple of times. It was so much fun. I could do that all day if my kids allowed me and my body. Nathan staying in the van with Papa, until the very end. Then he decided to come out for the last 10 minutes, and then wanted to do it more. He still wouldn't wear his boots or snowpants, but at least we got a coat on him. Grammy stayed with the boys while Matt and I went on suicide. Thanks so much mom and dad! You're the best.

Horsing around with Papa and Grammy.

Jared's 1st Birthday

2011-12-13T15:28:00.000-08:00

Jared was such a trooper on his brirthday. He played right along with everything we had planned. Thanks to Caitlin who took pictures as he was eating his cupcake and you can see the entire process of Jared endulging on a cupcake. Jared is such a blessing in our life. He adores his big brother and loves to play with him. Jared is an easy going kiddo who loves to smile and giggle. He is walking around all over the place, and I can't believe how much he has grown. Jared loves to tease like his big brother and daddy.

Nathan's 3rd Birthday

2011-12-13T15:10:00.000-08:00

Going for a walk in the cold weather.

Nathan is our Handy Manny. If you look closely you can even see a pen on top of his ear. Yes, he must have the entire shabang. He will try and get into his car seat like this, and I have to tell him that he won't be able to sit. I finally convince him that a hammer in his back is not going to feel very good.

We had Nathan's party at Chuck E Cheese with family and friends. It was good to have everyone there. Nathan had fun shooting hoops and throwing balls. He loved all of his presents and the time spent with everyone. I made a firetruck cake, and Nathan requested that it had blue frosting. We are so happy and thankful to have Nathan in our lives. Nathan is my energetic three year old who has an amazing memory. If I tell him that he can have something after his nap or in the morning, he will come to me half dazed as soon as he wakes up and ask for it. One day Matt took his deodrant with him to work and Nathan kept trying to tell me something. I finally realized that he was saying that his Dad's deodrant was gone. Another time I put a new razor in the shower when he was not awake. When he came into the bathroom, he noticed it right away. He always seems to amaze me. Nathan loves to watch Dora and Mickey Mouse and is my cuddle bug. He has a great imagination and can draw a great circle and ladder. Matt and I are so proud of him and love him so much.

2011-12-13T15:01:00.000-08:00

First family photo with Jared born
and he is almost one.

Taylor came over for a day and Nathan loved to be by her and play with her. He would grab her hand and take her where he wanted her to go.

He opened his birthday gift from Taylor and Christi early since they couldn't make the party.

Sharing a milk shake and Nathan telling his daddy "NO" he doesn't want his picture taken.

Jared Walking

2011-11-14T14:18:00.000-08:00

Look at him go. Nathan loves to take his hand and walk beside him. He will say, "Slow." Because he knows that he has to go slowly with him. It is cute.

2011-11-04T17:07:00.000-07:00

2011-11-04T17:05:00.000-07:00

2011-11-04T16:44:00.000-07:00

Nathan loves to watch Mickey House Clubhouse on Disney, and he loves to eat hot dogs.

2011-11-04T16:42:00.000-07:00

I get so tired of spending so much time on the blog and then there are huge spaces between each picture and the typing is all double spaced and weird. I publish it and then view it, then I go back and correct what I see is wrong with the spacing. Then I publish it again and the spaces are all their again when I view it. Well, I hope that everyone enjoys it.

FALL TIME

2011-11-04T07:04:00.000-07:00

The boys eating their treat from Nana.

Nathan was a fire fighter and Jared was an elephant for Halloween. They both had fun.

We went trick or treating in our neighborhood. It took Nathan a little while to warm up

and want to do it, but he would say trick and thank you.

I love this picture.

Jared chowing down on an apple.

I know that these are not in chronological order, but that is how I flow.

Nathan decided to paint the pumpkin after we carved it. The most involved that Jared got was sampling the pieces of pumpkin that we cut out.

Nathan very proud of his pumpkin and saying cheese. He had to take his shirt off because he believes once it is wet or a little dirty he can't wear it.

Nathan using a knife to cut.

Nathan getting brave and touchy the slimy seeds of the pumpkin.

Our yearly pumpkin carving tradition. Jared wasn't interested at all, but Nathan had fun. He didn't really want to touch the inards, but he took the spoon and scooped out the seeds. He was excited to use a knife to cut and pop the pieces out that we had cut out.

My big brown eyed boy. Who loves to tease his older brother already.

My handsome almost 3-year old after getting a haircut.

2011-10-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

Pictures with my boys before heading
to church.

We got Nathan a fireman costume for
Halloween, and he liked it so much that
he wore it all morning and would not take
it off for his nap. I finally convinced him
to let his bear right beside him wear the hat.

Jared loves to read books these
days, espcially touch and feel ones.

Ahhh! I love those smiles.

The boys love to play outside together.

Nathan loves this pair of carpenter jeans because

he can put his tools in them and carry them around.

He went like this grocery shopping one time.

Jared loves to play on Nathan's motorcycle.

It has some fun music. He is soooo close to walking, but he has been close to walking for a couple of months now. He took two steps the other day, but I think with Nathan running around he sometimes doesn't feel safe to let go and walk. He has been standing up a lot on his own lately, and I think it is a matter of when he wants to do it.

2011-10-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

Nathan loves to use my lip gloss. He will
even rub his lips together and smack them.

Grandaddy and Jared

Nathan and Daddy being silly.

Nathan shooting some hoops.

The basketball stand that Matt built with Nathan
and that Nathan and I painted.

Ahhh!! Jared giving Matt and kiss.
He likes to kiss our chins, but watch
out because he has 7 teeth.

2011-08-13T17:52:00.000-07:00

I don't have time to write much with my munchkins, but this was our trip to Cedaredge and Pagosa, CO. We had a great time see family and spending time together. We played volleyball, tennis, went to a parade, watched movies, had a family reunion, played games, talked, and much more. Nathan got to sit on a digger and ride a tractor. The boys were able to see lots of animals. Nathan's favorite was the cat. Jared really liked the dogs and started crying when I took him away from some big dogs. It wasn't enough to see them through the gate; he wanted to go inside and pet them. We saw chickens, goats, bunnies, sheep, mice, cats, dogs, and more. We wanted to go to the drive-in, but they weren't showing kid-friendly movies. We enjoyed the perfect weather and getting together often with family.

The boys also had fun running through the sprinkler here in TX. Jared liked to play in it, but Nathan just wanted to hold it and spray everything and everyone. Jared likes to do whatever Nathan is doing. He loves to play with Nathan's drill on his workbench--anything where he can pull himself up.

2011-06-20T08:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day. We made ties for Matt's dad, my dad, and Matt.

Jared tries to eat everything that we eat. He is trying his first milkshake or should I say eating the cup.

2011-06-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Give me that ball!!!

Nana brought some green bubbles to

Nathan. He likes to use it as paint. My

Jolly Green Giant.

This is Nathan's first time running through

a sprinkler. He prefers to just run after

everyone else and try to spray them. He is

our big tease.

I had several videos that I wanted posted, but I cannot get them to work.

2011-05-29T09:26:00.000-07:00

Nathan enjoys riding his bike with Jared. Jared
gets a big of a thrill as Nathan.

Rangers game: It was crazy weather that evening, and we

had to all be moved from our seats and went to the ramps

that were underground. There were tonado warnings and

a terrible storm. It was probably safter there at the game

than at our house since we could go underground. Nathan

enjoyed the food most of all. We bought him some nachos,

and he kept saying, "Cheese, cheese." We asked if he

wanted more cheese and he said, "yeah." We spoiled him

and got him some cheese fries.

Nathan and I made some playdough the other day.

What animal do you think it is? Yup, it's an elephant.

Nathan likes to destroy what we make and cut it with

a knife. What fun it is to have kids and have an excuse

to paint, play with playdough, run through the sprinkler,

and so much more fun.

We bought Nathan a blower, but it didn't work withint 24 hours. We returned it and bought a weed whipper, but it wasn't working within about 24 hours as well. We need to return it and maybe we will try a chain saw. Nathan loves to help his daddy on the lawn. One day at the park this past week, the landscapers were mowing on the other side of the fence and Nathan was following him back and forth with his weed whipper. He probably did that for about 15 minutes. He kept waving to the guy too.

2011-05-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

Cuddle time with Daddy.

Jared likes to hold that
one leg back and then he
will grab is other leg and
pull it in the opposite
direction. He is our little
gymnist.

Working on that push up.
He doesn't like his tummy,
so it may be a little while
until he crawls.

Awwww!!!!

Kristen Simler came to visit us here in Dallas.
It was sooo nice to have her. Nathan and Kristen
became instant buddies. He still asks about her.
We went bowling, the jumphouse, swimming,
and out to eat. She also brought a bunch of movies
that we enjoyed watching. Nathan wanted to be
wherever Kristen was and even wanted her to
read him books for his nap. Thanks Kristen for
taking the time to come down.

Father and Son Campout

2011-05-29T08:43:00.000-07:00

Matt and Nathan had so much fun on the Father and Son Campout. Nathan was excited to use a shovel and help with the fire. He knows that it is hot and his sign for that is blowing. He would rather communicate with signs or sounds than words. We call it Nathanese; we are learning it well. He loved to set up the tent and was anxious to sleep in it. We didn't know how he would do being away from me since he has never been away overnight. He did great. I don't think that he even missed me. On the other hand, Jared missed the interaction with his brother.

Dallas Zoo

2011-05-10T07:36:00.000-07:00

The boys had so much fun at the zoo. It was such a perfect day to go to the zoo. It was cloudy almost the entire time, and we had just a few raindrops and the very end. Nathan's favorite animal was the elephant. He likes to use his arm as a trunk and make an elepant noise (see picture above). He also was scared to feed the giraffes, but I helped him and he loved it. He still does his sign and action for being scared and talks about the giraffes and elephants. He loved to run around and be FREE.

EASTER

2011-05-10T07:29:00.000-07:00

Jared with Nana and

Grandaddy

Nathan wanted to open each egg as he found them

and then dump the contents into his bucket. He

had lots of fun this year.

Best of Buds

2011-05-10T07:19:00.000-07:00

Nathan decided to climb into Jared's seat, and he

loved it. Jared adores his brother and lights up

whenever he is in the room.

One day Jared was just being crabby, and I asked

Nathan if he would hold Jared for me. He replies,

"Yeah." Jared instantly was happy. Nathan is my

big boy helper, and I know they are going to be

best friends.

Sometimes I will ask Nathan if he can watch

Jared for me. When I return, he is always

wrestling Jared. Jared just loves it as long as

Nathan doesn't get too rough.

2011-04-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

Jared or as we nornally call him
Big J, J Box, J Dog, J Bop, or Babe
showing off how big he is.

Nathan loves to help me make popcorn
and then eat it, but the thrill for him is
making it. He has asked me everyday
this week to make popcorn.

Nathan already for church...well almost.
He forgot his pants. He finally started wearing
his tie to church every week.

The boys mowing the lawn. Nathan asks to mow it
everyday. He really looks forward to that time
with Daddy.

Jared mad at me when I stopped feeding
him to take a picture. 4 months old exactly.

Gotta love that rice cereal and those
big dark eyes.

Nathan's sandbox. Every kid has to
have dirt to play in.

My adorable three boys.

2011-04-21T09:46:00.000-07:00

Nathan loves to watch Caillou. During this episode, I heard Nathan laugh 4-5 times. It is fun to see him understand humor. He is laughing in the video when the dad accidentally puts paint on his head. He will still laugh like this even though he has seen it over and over.

2011-03-27T17:29:00.000-07:00

I wish that I knew how to do all of this blogging better. The typing is always off and double spaced. If anybody knows how to fix this let me know. I guess I am computer illiterate.

Getting Ready to Go Camping

2011-03-27T17:21:00.000-07:00

Nathan loved to help us get ready to go

camping. He was so exhausted with helping

that he fell right asleep in the van. He had

to have his glasses and gloves on. Also when

we went to the library on Thursday before

camping, he had to wear his glasses and take

his saw in with him.

2011-03-27T17:13:00.000-07:00

Jared after his first haircut at a littler older

than 3 months old.

Grammy reading books to Jared and Nathan.

They loved to have Grammy come and visit.

We missed having Papa, but were grateful that

Grammy could make it out. She even got to

put Nathan down for his naps a couple of times.

Nathan decided to let Jared wear his hat.

We had so much fun with Grammy and wished that

Grammy and Papa lived closer. We partied all week

long and enjoyed each others company.

2011-03-27T17:06:00.000-07:00

We took Nathan to a jump house while Grammy was here to visit. I think that I had as much fun as Nathan--my kid side definitely came out. All of the other adults were standing around and talking, but Matt, Grammy, and I were all over the place with Nathan. He especially loved to throw a ball and then chase it. Can't get any cuter than this!!!

Nathan likes Jared to ride him like he

is a horse.

2011-03-27T16:58:00.000-07:00

Nathan loves to run and always talks about his daddy running. He has to always say that he has his ankle brace, his running shoes, and running shorts. We let him get on the treadmill on the slowest speed. He stayed on for about 10 minutes. Jared and Nathan adore each other. Nathan is always giving Jared kisses and hugs, and Jared loves to watch Nathan play especially basketball.

Nathan will drop whatever he is doing to go outside,

but especially if it involves mowing. He is now big

enough that he can be outside when Matt is mowing.

Last year he had to just watch at the windows.

Nathan and Jared taking a nap together.

My big boy Jared at 3 months old.

My Boys

2011-03-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

My little baker. He is such a big helper and loves to be in the kitchen with me.

Going for a walk with his little brother for the first time in our double stroller

The only time Jared has curly hair is when

I give him a bath and then dry it. It goes

as straight as can be after a little while.

2011-02-17T10:06:00.000-08:00

Nathan loves to show his muscles and sing the song off of The Wiggles. Just ignore my off tune singing.

2011-02-17T09:58:00.000-08:00

Nathan loves his brother.

You can't see very well,
but Jared has a nice afro.

I guess Nathan takes after me and doesn't like his picture

taken. Nathan decorating cookies on Valentine's Day.

Look at that grin.

I wanted to show Matt how if you throw Nathan the ball he never misses, but of course when I show Matt he doesn't hit it once. Oh, well!!! Gotta love kids.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-17T09:40:00.000-08:00

My parents always hid the sweettart candy hearts all over
the house for us as kids on Valentine's Day. Matt and I
wanted to keep that tradition. Here is Nathan having a blast.
First he didn't even see the candy. I pointed it out, and he
began popping about 10-15 candy hearts into his mouth.
Finally we got him to just put them into his bucket. He
had so much fun.

Mama's PJ's

2011-02-05T11:36:00.000-08:00

Nathan wanted to put on some of my clothes.

He took a nap in them, painted in them, and

played several hours with them on. Nathan is

two years and two months old.

2011-02-05T11:30:00.000-08:00

Clean after a bath.

Almost 2 months old

about 1 to 1 1/2 month s old

I'm a Big Brother NOW!!!

2011-02-05T10:55:00.000-08:00

SNOW FUN!!!

2011-01-19T14:05:00.000-08:00

Jared growing sooo big. He now coos and
gives me the biggest smiles. He is almost
6 weeks old. Of course, I cannot get it on
camera though.

A Sunday nap with
my boys.

Snow on the grass
and Nathan still wants to
mow it.

Jared Alonzo Merrell

2010-12-13T17:39:00.000-08:00

Jared Alonzo Merrell born December 9th at 12:50PM
-19 1/2 inches (I had to take him to the ped. this morning
though and they measured him at 21 1/2 inches; someone
made a mistake. I don't think he could grow two inches in less
than a week. The nurse even measured him again and got closer
to 22 inches. I am thinking he is closer to 21 1/2 than the 19 1/2
that the hospital told me.
-8 lbs 11oz.

I had my midwife break my water at 9AM and he came about
4 hours later. I did not have to have any pitocin and
everything happened quickly. Jared had quite a bit of bruising
because he had the cord wrapped around his neck, so I had
to push quickly. We are all doing great, and so happy to have
him here. Nathan adored his brother the first 30 minutes
and then wanted to give him back. He is just starting to warm
up a little more and wants to hold him now. Thanks everyone for
the prayers.

2010-12-13T17:35:00.000-08:00

Jared Alonzo Merrell

2010-12-13T17:26:00.000-08:00

AND MORE!!!

2010-11-21T09:54:00.000-08:00

Continuing Nathan's Party

2010-11-21T09:48:00.000-08:00

Nathan's 2

2010-11-21T09:35:00.000-08:00

He first enjoyed playing on the slide at McDonalds with
his cousins. Then we bought happy meals for all of the
kiddos. He enjoyed blowing out his candle and being
the clean boy that he is used to spoons to eat the frosting
off of his cupcake. Then he opened presents, but didn't
like when we had to take them away, so he could open
the rest of them. He had a blast.

Daddy's shoes

2010-11-21T09:28:00.000-08:00

Nathan loves to put on shoes. He will go
into our closet and grab every pair and
try them on. Matt's basketball shoes
look like skis for Nathan. He walked
around the house for 30 minutes like this.

Mowing the Lawn with Daddy

2010-11-21T09:21:00.000-08:00

Sharing his Halloween candy.

He actually has two suckers-one

for each hand.

Look at My Muscles

2010-10-26T13:48:00.000-07:00

He loves to show off his big muscles.

Halloween Costume

2010-10-26T13:37:00.000-07:00

Nathan was Handy Manny for Halloween, and he loved his costume. The boots were given to us even before he was born, but he loves to put them on. They are 2 sizes too big, but he loves to go around the house and "repair" everything. He even likes to have a pencil in his ear like Handy Manny. He keeps the pencil on his ear because Matt always has a pencil behind his ear.

painting pumpkins

2010-10-14T17:56:00.000-07:00

I think that Nathan enjoyed painting himself more than the pumpking, but he had a blast. He was really excited when he saw what I painted on mine. He said Elmo in his own way and every time he sees it he gets soooooo excited. I think I may try and paint Barney on the other side as Barney is his favorite.

The Alamo and The Children's Museum

2010-09-30T18:22:00.000-07:00

Papa's face print & Nathan's

hand print.

Playing bubbles with Grammy.

Nathan loved the Children's Museum. There was so much to do and see. We could have spent all day there, but Nathan and I really needed a nap. It was great to have Grammy, Papa, and Aunt Norma with us. They also had a snake that you could pet, but Nathan wanted nothing to do with that.

Hide and Seek with an Ant

2010-09-30T18:18:00.000-07:00

Today Nathan and I were outside, and he sees an ant by the garden. He says, "Bug, bug" with a little bit of concern. Then he trys to touch it with his finger, and the ant quickly disappears under the garden box. Nathan is worried and concerned that his new friend is gone. I told him that it will be back, and it is just playing hide and seek with him. Then he covers his face with his hands, and he is ready to play hide and seek. He did it several times and was disappointed when the ant did not appear. Then all of a sudden the ant appears and to his joy his friend is back. They played this game for about 10 minutes.

2010-09-30T17:55:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for church. Nathan loves
shoes and as you can tell wants to try
on his daddy's shoe.

You can see Nathan's tool stash in the
corner. I saw him move all of those
tools to at least 3 different places in 10
minutes. He didn't want to leave a single
one.

Fixing things with his tools.

Nathan likes to come out to the couch

and sleep. One morning we found him

like this.

Must have shoes and tools.

CO

2010-07-28T18:21:00.000-07:00

Papa putting Nathan back to
sleep, so I could shower and
get ready.

GONE FISHING

Grand Mesa

2010-07-28T16:45:00.000-07:00

We had a great trip to Cedaredge, CO, to

see family. Nathan enjoyed picking black

raspberries and shelling fresh grown peas

(or should I say eating them). We were

able to go fishing twice, and Nathan helped

Papa reel in his first fish. One of my

favorite parts was enjoying my mom

and dad's home-cooked meals. Mmmmmm!

We were able to see cows, goats, snakes,

bunnies, chickens, dogs, cats, pigs, sheep,

lizards, and fish. Nathan's favorite were

probably the kittens. Thanks family for

such a great trip.

Dallas Zoo July 5th

2010-07-28T16:31:00.000-07:00

2010-07-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

Nathan loves playing out
in the rain. This may be
the biggest smile I have
seen him give.

My COUNTRY boy!!!
He loves to eat fruit off
of the seed, and he especially
loves to pick and eat
strawberries from our small
garden.

Nathan got his first big, big
bump at our Father's Day
celebration at our pool/
playground. As you can see
it didn't affect him much.

Nathan loves to take the
mustard out of the frig
and suck on it. It grosses
Matt out because he
hates mustard.

Nathan loves to help
his daddy wherever
he goes.

Making Cookies

2010-03-30T12:22:00.000-07:00

Nathan loves for me to fill the tea kettle with water, and he loves to dump it out.

This was Nathan's first time in helping me make cookies. He was such a big helper.

We were at a couples' house for FHE, and Nathan was getting a little fussy. Matt gave him his cell phone, and Nathan called home. Matt decided to have Nathan leave me a message. I was so excited when he said, "I love you Mommy."

Nathan's Outside Playground

2010-03-30T12:02:00.000-07:00

As you can see he has to be right in close to the action. We gave him his own play screw driver, but he wanted the real deal. We put it together at 10 PM because Matt wanted there to set it up and that was the only time we had. I will say that the first few weeks Nathan still favored the water hose over his play house. He is now enjoying it more. We need to have some of his friends over to play on it. I don't quite fit through all of the holes very well.

Nathan loves to meet his Daddy outside when he comes home from work. He knows when he is coming because our garage door is very obnoxious and loud when it opens. I absolutely love the last picture when he is leaning out the door to see if he can see his daddy.

The Beloved Bucket

2010-02-24T13:05:00.000-08:00

My Nathan is quite the character. Nathan just loves to be a tease and loves to play. He will hold something out for me to take it and then jerk it back and start running. Matt also claims that I am teaching him to act like a puppy (because I want a puppy so bad). Nathan will dip his body as low as it will go and lap up water like a dog from the bath tub. At meals he likes to pick up his bowl with his teeth and tilt it back. Finally, he will go to his tummy and then pick up the knob of the puzzle pieces with his teeth. I promise I am not teaching him to act like a dog, but I guess I got my boy and dog all in one.
(I had some cute videos, but they are not downloading. I will try later.)

2010-02-12T11:19:00.000-08:00

Nathan and I built a fort in the living room. He had

fun crawling through the chairs.

2010-02-08T15:13:00.000-08:00

Finally put the professional pictures on the BLOG that we had taken back in October. Nathan is 11 months old in the photo.

2010-01-27T12:55:00.000-08:00

Celebrating Christmas

2010-01-27T12:49:00.000-08:00

Cedarege Trip

2010-01-27T12:33:00.000-08:00

Loving our walks.

Look at all of that SNOW!!!

Those cousins tired
him out.

Sledding for the first time.
He actually enjoyed it.

Nathan and Becca playing.

Nathan loved to take out
all of Grammy's pots and
pans.

Ahhh!!!! We got to hold and pet
the Simlers' bunnies. Nathan
really loves animals. He would
try and follow the cat all over
the house when she was inside.

Grandad with all of the great
grand kids. Celebrating his
85th birthday.

Matt and his dad surprised
me with our new sink and
facet. We have had it in our
house for about 9 months,
and we have just got to putting
it in.

2010-01-18T15:23:00.000-08:00

Nathan sitting on Santa's lap for the first time. He screamed.

Nathan loves to carry around all of my shoes.

Nathan loves to be pulled around in his wagon,

even though the directions say, "Do not pull

child."

Mischievous Nathan

2010-01-15T21:34:00.000-08:00

The other day Nathan was being really quiet while I was on the computer doing some church work. I knew he had to be up to something because that NEVER happens. I went out, and Nathan was carrying around the plunger and a whole new roll of toilet paper was unraveled and trailing into the living room. Matt accidently kept the bathroom door open after emptying trash. Ooppps!!!

Dancing and Walking

2009-12-09T13:46:00.000-08:00

Nathan loves this gap commerical with girls dancing on it. He gets distracted and falls several times, but you can see the beginning of his walking. Matt and I will keep on rewinding the commerical just to see him react. Sorry, I couldn't figure out how to turn it.

MORE BIRTHDAY

2009-12-09T11:31:00.000-08:00

Kaitlin came to visit over Thanksgiving.
Nathan adored her and had such a fun
time.

Our 1 year old Birthday Boy.

Some presents that he got.

Happy 1st Birthday Nathan

2009-12-09T11:20:00.000-08:00

It took him a little while to get into his cake. He never really
used his hands much, but he liked to lick the plate like a dog.
Matt thinks that I train him that way because I want a dog,
but honest I didn't do anything of that sort.

The kids played red light, green light, but Nathan was not
enjoying his day with his teeth coming in. I made him a
race car track cake, which I thought turned out good for
my first cake. Nathan loves cars, and I thought that it would
be the perfect theme for his cake. I will probably use the cake
again when he turns 8 years old.

Nathan unwrapping his first present from
Grammy and Papa.

Painted House

2009-11-02T13:38:00.000-08:00

We decided to take on the project and paint our living room,

entry way, hallway, and laundry room. It took us 3-4 weeks

to finish the entry way and living room. The photo on the left

still shows the tape and the ugly yellow that we had on that

shelf and then a back wall. We didn't like it, so I had to repaint

it. I had to do 3 coats in some places because the paint left

streaks. Matt would watch Nathan in our computer room while

I painted away. Lots of times I would stay up until 2AM painting

while Nathan was sleeping. We both like it, but it is quite a bit

darker than we thought it would be.

We were only able to get as far as we did because my parents

came to visit. They helped do the entire hallway with 8 doors.

I still have some to do, but they were life savers. We haven't

even been able to start the laundry room. I got the yellow paint

lightened up and will use it for the laundry room.

Nathan the Dino

2009-11-02T13:29:00.000-08:00

He found a sucker in the back
of the van as we were getting
ready to hand out candy for
truck or treating.

We took Nathan out trick or
treating on a few streets, but
since he had a cold it was just
short.

I was trying to teach Nathan to say,
"Rrrrrrrrrr." No such luck. He loves
to say "dad, daddy, & dadada."

Love the FALL Time

2009-11-02T13:16:00.001-08:00

I thought that Nathan might like playing in a pile of raked
leaves, but he preferred to play with the rake. He would
play outside all day if the weather allowed it.

1st Pumkin Carving

2009-11-02T13:06:00.000-08:00

One night for FHE games we carved a pumkin. I
have fond memories of doing this as a kid. It
works out well because I prefer to get my hands
dirty and get the guts out of the pumpkin and
Matt prefers to carve. Nathan finally started to
get into it and fling the guts all over our kitchen.

Visiting the Dallas Temple

2009-10-13T15:13:00.000-07:00

This was Nathan's first time to see the temple (the place
that mommy and daddy were married). He enjoyed
touchingthe bricks. I enjoyed going back to the temple
as it has been since before Nathan was born. We missed
Matt being able to go with us.

2009-10-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad took Nathan on
a walk, so Matt and I could
play roller blading hockey.

Our picnic at Breckenridge
Park with Mom and Dad.

We discovered at the state fair
that Nathanloves home grown
pears from Colorado. Yummy!!!

Out on a Sunday walk

Texas State Fair

2009-10-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

While my parents were here, we took them to the State Fair.

Matt had to meet us there as he was on his way home from

work. Nathan's favorites were the animals and fountain. We

enjoyed getting out and doing something different.

2009-10-12T10:37:00.000-07:00

The other day I stepped
outside and had to go back
inside to bundle up. Taking
a walk was the only way he
would fall asleep even in the
cold weather.

Grammy teaching Nathan
how to drink out of the
hose and getting soaking
wet in the process.

He is pretty proud
of himself.

Nathan thinks he is a big

boy when he can weigh

himself and play with our

bathtub facets.

Nathan and Dad working together.

Things My Boy Loves to Do

2009-10-12T10:15:00.000-07:00

Nathan enjoys being outside,
and if he could be outside all
day long then he would.
He likes to eat the dirt out of
my garden and play with the
garden hose.

Nathan is mommy's big
helper and sweeps (okay
may not sweeps but pushes
the broom around)

I don't know who invented the
dishwasher, but I am grateful
as that is the way I get dinner
made. I will leave some things
in the utensil part, and he has
a blast pulling them out.

We always try and meet daddy
outside as he comes home
from work. Nathan likes to
drive the car in with Dad. He
enjoys cars and loved to drive
Grammy and Papa's car when
they were here. I guess he
already feels power being
behind the wheel.

He recently discovered that he can
unroll all of the toilet paper. I was
on the computer and wondered why
he was being so quiet. I went to
check and he had unrolled all of the
toilet paper. Grammy switched the
direction the toilet paper comes off
before she left, but today I found him
using his finger nails and pulling it off
in little pieces. At least he hasn't
discovered that the toilet lid opens and shuts.

Nathan clapping for Grammy, Papa, Daddy,
and me.

2009-08-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

I love to spike Nathans hair.
I thought that he looks all
grown up here. He makes
the cabbage patch face (at
least that is what my mom
called it and said I did it
all the time).

I would turn the camera on

and then say hi and wave my

hand. He did this 3 or 4 times

in a row.

A wave with a smile!!!

Finally a huge smile.

2009-08-25T13:58:00.000-07:00

We got this new toy for Nathan
where he can ride it or push it
while he stands. As you can tell
he adores it (or maybe it his daddy
that he adores).

This was the first time he rode

it, and Matt zoomed him down

the hall way and into the study

where I was.

He covers his eyes with his

hands quite often when he

is sleeping. I think it is too

cute!!! He is 9 months old.

2009-08-25T12:40:00.000-07:00

Nathan with mommy on a Sunday
afternoon. I think he looks like a
little karate dude.

Nathan loves his bath time.
He likes to stand and play
with the facet.

Caitlin, Kelci, and Nathan
unloading the dishwasher.

Nathan LOVES the outdoors
and would be out there all
day if it wasn't so HOT!!!
He likes the garden hose and
the dirt in my garden.

There he goes!!! He crawls all over
the place as long as I am near.

2009-07-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

Nathan first crawled on Sunday July 26th to his

daddy. He crawled on the bed. He has done a little

bit before, but now we can say he is crawling.

2009-07-15T19:21:00.000-07:00

FINALLY a family picture.
At Kassie Hope's blessing.

Nathan loves his cousins.
Sabrina and Nathan
hanging out.

Aunt Chelsea feeding Nathan
a healthy (100% Juice) snow
cone before going outside to
watch fireworks. He loved
it.

Nathan chewing on
Aunt Chelsea's foot.
Disgutsting!!!

Nathan hanging out with
John and Chelsea.

2009-07-15T18:47:00.000-07:00

Learning to crawl at Grammy
& Papa's house.

Look at those good looking people.

Awwwww!!

Nathan loves cats. One time he
grabbed the cat's tail, and it hissed
at him. It walked away, and then
Nathan giggled.

Nathan loves his otter pops.

Some of the Most Precious Pictures

2009-06-24T12:27:00.000-07:00

We built a fort out of a
box. I use to do this
as a kid all of the time.

He loves to play in his
crib, but I have to be
close because he can
about stand up.

He loves to play with his
mobile, look at the wall
hanging Grammy made
him, and smile for mommy.

Drinking some refreshing water
after going swimming in the Texas
heat. Ohhhhhhh man.

Nathan loves his baths.

2009-06-24T12:08:00.000-07:00

Kelci & Caitlin played with us for a
few days. Nathan loved it, but I
really loved it. I could definitely
use a 6 and 11 year old in the house.
They were a huge help with everything.
They will be great mothers someday.
We went swimming 4 times in 2 days.
They also had fun painting pictures .

There is this toy with all

of these buttons, and all

Nathan wants to do is close

the lid.

With thought that Grandpa

might like to keep fixing this

car for when Nathan can drive.

What do you think; will it last

that long?

I was throwing our junk mail up in the air, and I

have never heard Nathan giggle so hard. We played

like this for probably 20 minutes.

2009-06-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

Ice cream. Nathan's favorite food group
is ice cream. Oh, wait I guess that's not
a food group. He loves it and must have
it when we have it.

Jill and Jeff Nelson invited us to a pool
party. We had so much fun, and Nathan
even got in because the water was much
warmer.

He was 27 inches and 16 lbs 3 oz
at his last checkup at 6 months old
He thinks he is already a big boy.

Ohhhhhhh!!!

2009-06-18T11:43:00.000-07:00

Nana and Nathan at
Memorial Day celebration

Caitlin with her cousins Jack and Nathan

NEW TOY!!!

Nathan was way excited to have a new toy. Matt said

he knows why parents buy their children tons of toys--

BECAUSE OF THE JOY IT BRINGS THEM--don't worry

we don't spoil him too much.

Wading in the Pool

2009-06-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

We tried to go swimming with Nathan, but it ended up being
wading. It was too cold for him. He liked being outside. We
had to buy him another swimming suit as his gut is too big
and gets squashed. We had to get a 12 month old one.

2009-05-22T09:42:00.000-07:00

Nathan is getting his first tooth. You can just barely see it, but it is there. Nathan loves to play with my face and rub is gums on my face. I like to think he is giving me a kiss, but who knows what he is thinking.

Playing with Daddy

2009-05-22T09:41:00.000-07:00

Nathan loves to play and rough house.

He also likes to ride on his daddy's shoulders and slobber all over him.